Majors: Astronomy and Astrophysics, Interdisciplinary Physics 

Hometown: Westland, MI (Metro Detroit)

Where did you transfer from? Schoolcraft Community College 

Write a brief bio about yourself: I’m a non-traditional first-generation university student who worked full-time as an EMT (on an ambulance and within the ER) for the past 5 years. Now that I’ve transferred to the university, I am focusing on my astrophysics studies and completing my degree! I am currently a part of a research team analyzing the atmospheric composition of an exoplanet using NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope and computer coding, which is super exciting! Outside of my science focus, I also really enjoy the arts. I’m a poetry lover, an avid music lyric analyst, and I love creativity. I’m also in love with the earth and animals. I’m vegan and a triple Earth sign: Virgo sun, Virgo moon, and Capricorn rising :) Feel free to reach out!

Why did you choose to transfer to the University of Michigan? As a low-income student, University of Michigan’s “Go Blue Guarantee” made college more attainable for me. I also appreciate the large transfer community at U of M as well as the transfer-friendly programs available to incoming students. I was also very attracted to the amount of research opportunities here!

Based on your personal experience, what is the one thing you want to tell new transfer students? Don't be afraid to meet with financial aid and see what they can do to help you; sometimes all you have to do is ask for help/different options! Additionally, don’t overload yourself with credits until you are fully settled at the University. Oftentimes, it takes a semester to get used to the curriculum at U of M. 

How did you make friends and meet other students on campus? I joined the Global Scholars Program, which is a living learning community that allows students to connect with peers interested in sharing their different cultures. As a part of this community, you can live together in the North Quad dorm, which allows you to be in close proximity to the people you’ll be spending a lot of time with. Joining a Living-Learning community like GSP is a great way to find community and friends. I have also actively participated in transfer student events, which has allowed me to meet other transfer students with similar experiences. Finally, I took advantage of clubs, and I joined taekwondo, the University Skateboard Collective, and the Knitting and Crocheting club. 

What is your favorite part about being an LSA transfer student? I love playing a key role in diversifying the student body. Transfer students oftentimes have different types of life experiences and backgrounds that can offer new and beneficial perspectives to the university. LSA is home to a multitude of different majors, so there are also a lot of different opportunities within the school. Being a transfer student in LSA allows us to find community in such a vast college.

Why did you choose your specific major(s)? I always knew I wanted to be an Astrophysicist/Cosmologist. As a kid, the first book I rented from a library was a book on black holes. My favorite shows were The Universe and Through the Wormhole, and I wanted so badly to be one of the featured scientists on these shows. I kept this dream my whole life, and with the start of college, I knew the first step of this journey would be to get my undergraduate degree in Astrophysics. There’s a lot to choose from in LSA, which I’m thankful for. I’m happy to have found my place in the astro department.